The Apprenticeship Levy Explained

With the Government committed to an additional three million apprentices by 2020, the levy is designed to encourage employers to develop their workforce through apprenticeships. Employers who are committed to training will be able to get back more than they put in.

Apprenticeship Levy

All businesses operating in the UK with an annual wage bill over £3m will be required to invest 0.5% of this in to a digital account, with the government contributing an additional 10% to top up your account. This money is then used to fund the apprenticeships your business commits to.

The levy allowance is calculated on a monthly basis and will accumulate throughout the year, with unused allowances being carried over from one month to the next. Any unspent levy funds in your digital account will expire after 24 months.

All businesses operating in the UK with an annual wage bill over £3m will be required to invest 0.5% of this in to a digital account, with the government contributing an additional 10% to top up your account. This money is then used to fund the apprenticeships your business commits to.

The levy allowance is calculated on a monthly basis and will accumulate throughout the year, with unused allowances being carried over from one month to the next. Any unspent levy funds in your digital account will expire after 24 months.

There are certain employers who will be required to contribute towards the cost of their apprenticeship training outside of the levy system, such as those whose pay bill is less than £3m per tax year. For these businesses, the cost they will need to meet is dependent upon the number of employees on their payroll. For companies with 49 or fewer employees small business support may be available. Please see our page "advice for employers" for more details.

There are certain employers who will be required to contribute towards the cost of their apprenticeship training outside of the levy system, such as those whose pay bill is less than £3m per tax year. For these businesses, the cost they will need to meet is dependent upon the number of employees on their payroll. For companies with 49 or fewer employees small business support may be available. Please see our page "advice for employers" for more details.